UFC on FX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Mike Easton vs. Jared Papazian

 Posted by at 7:18 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 182012
 

Mike Easton (top) will look to add another win to his UFC record and remain undefeated by dominating Jared Papazian with his superior ground skills. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

“The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (27-9-2) and Jim Miller (20-3) will enter the Octagon for a lightweight contest Friday as the UFC presents UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller, the company’s first offering under its newly minted contract with media giant FOX. The card has four fights slated to appear on the FX network, all of which hold interesting potential for UFC fans. “The Dentist” Josh Neer (32-10-1) and “Bang” Duane Ludwig (21-11) both have the ability to put on a stand-out showing. “HD” Pat Barry’s (5-5) heavyweight throwdown against Christian Morecraft (7-2) not only pits the brawler against the boxer but it holds additional excitement as either fighter could easily lose his job with a loss. Perhaps one of the most interesting bouts sees Mike Easton (8-0) pit his officially undefeated record against journeyman fighter Jared Papazian (13-6-1) in the latter man’s UFC debut.

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Heavyweight Sean McCorkle Denounces ESPN’s Claims of Poor Fighter Pay in the UFC

 Posted by at 4:39 PM  UFC  No Responses »
Jan 172012
 

Former UFC heavyweight Sean McCorkle spoke out against ESPN's claims that the promotion pays fighters poorly. (Photo courtesy of Sherdog)

The following excerpts were posted Monday on the UG forums by three-time UFC veteran “Big Sexy” Sean McCorkle (13-2) in response to recent claims that the promotion vastly underpays its contracted fighters. An investigative documentary series produced by ESPN, “Outside the Lines”, brought the alleged issue to light in a big way late last week when it put the UFC on blast with claims that the company is building itself into a monopoly, making billions annually while paying fighters only a small percentage of its revenue. While the majority of the figures stated in the ESPN documentary came from either anonymous sources, a licensed attorney who has been attempting to unionize fighters for years, or from fighters who have had a falling out with the UFC in the past, the “Outside the Lines” episode has made an impact on the MMA community due to a large number of casual fans viewing ESPN as a reliable source for sports related news. “Big Sexy” felt the exposé portrayed the UFC’s payroll inaccurately, and detailed his own experiences with the UFC’s pay structure during his six-month stint as a UFC heavyweight:

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UFC on FX Pre-Fight Breakdown: Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft

 Posted by at 2:59 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 172012
 

Christian Morecraft (blue gloves) has a serious advantage in size over Pat Barry, but offers little else to threaten the former K-1 fighter. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC’s new deal with FOX officially kicks off Friday as “The Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard (27-9-2) takes on Jim Miller (20-3) at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller. Shoring up the main event are several fantastic matches including “The Dentist” Josh Neer (32-10-1) vs. “Bang” Duane Ludwig (21-11), Mike Easton (8-0) vs. Jared Papazian (13-6-1), and the opening fight between beleaguered K-1 fighter “HD” Pat Barry (5-5) and heavyweight brawler Christian Morecraft (7-2). The match is an important one for both men as the Zuffa contract axe looms in each of their futures should they fail to deliver in their match-up. Continue reading »

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Spilled Bag of Fights: UFC RIO Photos!

 Posted by at 6:13 PM  Spilled Bag of Fights  No Responses »
Jan 162012
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC. with alterations by Spilled Bag of Ice)

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UFC 142: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 Posted by at 5:19 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 152012
 

Jose Aldo's (red glove, center of crowd) emotional reaction and the Rio fans' reaction to it following his brutal first-round KO of Chad Mendes has ensured him a place on every UFC event in Brazil for a long time to come. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC has come and gone and the once deafening roar of the Brazilian crowd is now silenced following an electric night of first-round stoppages at UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes. Headlining the all too brief card was UFC Featherweight Champion “Junior” Jose Aldo (20-1) who successfully defended his title in front of a fanatical hometown crowd by blasting the title dreams, consciousness, and undefeated record of “Money” Chad Mendes (11-1) into non-existence with a brutal knee strike. Former UFC Heavyweight Tournament and Light Heavyweight Champion “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (21-9) came to the cage looking dangerously eager to face ill-fated former welterweight “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-4) and made quick work of his foe, submitting “Rumble” with a Rear Naked Choke. “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (16-5) sent a clear message to the rest of the division against Mike Massenzio (13-6) as he added yet another vicious Heel Hook submission win to his record. Controversy filled the air when Erick Silva (8-3) completely destroyed Carlo Prater (28-11-1) in just 29 seconds only to have his victory taken from him as referee Mario Yamasaki ruled the bout a disqualification due to illegal strikes. The opening fight of the night saw British brawler Terry Etim (15-4) suffer one of the most spectacular KO losses in MMA history as Edson Barboza (10-0) nailed him square on the jaw with a spinning hook kick. In a night where all but one bout fails to go past the first round, it is very clear who the winners and losers are, but divining the level to which those victories and defeats impact a fighter’s career takes The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.   Continue reading »

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UFC 142 Fight Bonuses

 Posted by at 6:32 AM  UFC  No Responses »
Jan 152012
 

Edson Barboza (left) kept his perfect record intact and won two fight bonuses with a spectacular KO over Terry Etim (right). (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The following fight bonuses were awarded for UFC 142:

Submission of the Night
Rousimar Palhares (over Mike Massenzio) receives $65,000

Knockout of the Night
Edson Barboza (over Terry Etim) receives $65,000

Fight of the Night
Edson Barboza and Terry Etim each receive $65,000

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UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes Live Results

 Posted by at 3:46 PM  UFC  1 Response »
Jan 142012
 

(Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View)—

Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes: Aldo via KO (Knee), Round 1, 4:59

Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson: Belfort via Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Round 1, 4:49

Rousimar Palhares vs. Mike Massenzio: Palhares via Submission (Heel Hook), Round 1, 1:03

Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater: Prater via DQ (Illegal Blows to the Head), Round 1, 0:29

Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim: Barboza via KO (Spinning Hook Kick), Round 3, 2:02 Continue reading »

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Finding the Underdog: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

 Posted by at 11:23 AM  UFC  No Responses »
Jan 142012
 

After competing at welterweight throughout his professional career, Anthony Johnson (right) is set to face renowned striker Vitor Belfort (left) in a catchweight match-up that likely will still see him enjoy a significant size advantage. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

While the main event at UFC 142 will be an exciting championship clash of top featherweights, the co-main event of this card features a most intriguing catchweight clash between two of the most prominent fighters in the UFC.  “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3) was slated to make his middleweight debut, facing off against tough veteran and former light heavyweight champion “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9).  Both fighters will be looking for not only a win, but for a chance to re-establish themselves as elite fighters in the world’s premier MMA promotion.  This is Belfort’s fifth fight in the 185lbs. class, but he will have his hands full with the “rookie” to the division in Johnson. Continue reading »

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UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes Weigh-In Results, Video

 Posted by at 3:59 PM  UFC  No Responses »
Jan 132012
 

Weigh-ins start at approximately the 19-minute mark. (Video courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

—MAIN CARD (on Pay-Per-View)—

Jose Aldo: 145lbs.
Chad Mendes: 144lbs.

Vitor Belfort: 186lbs.
Anthony Johnson: 197lbs.*

Rousimar Palhares: 186lbs.
Mike Massenzio: 184lbs.

Erick Silva: 169lbs.
Carlo Prater: 170lbs.

Edson Barboza: 154lbs.
Terry Etim: 155lbs. Continue reading »

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UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes

 Posted by at 6:39 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 132012
 
Jose Aldo (black trunks) has vicious stopping power and killer instincts that can, and often do, end fights quickly but lately, those traits haven’t been present in his title defenses. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The UFC makes its return to Brazil this Saturday with UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes. After a sell-out night in August at UFC 134, the Zuffa brass move to strike again as undefeated Edson Barboza (9-0) looks to add another tic to his win column as he takes on Terry Etim (15-3), an Englishman with intentions of stringing together his own winning streak. Welterweight “Indio” Erick Silva (8-2) is making his second appearance in the UFC, this time against MMA journeyman and Strikeforce, WEC, Legacy FC, and Shine Fights veteran “Neo” Carlo Prater (27-11). Brazil’s submission hulk “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (15-5) is looking to make it three in a row against the tough and determined Mike Massenzio (13-5). Devastating striker and former champion “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9) steps into the Octagon in front of his hometown crowd for the first time in well over a decade to face middleweight debutee “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3). The main event of the evening sees top ranked pound-for-pound fighter and UFC featherweight king “Junior” Jose Aldo (19-1) defend his title against undefeated Team Alpha Male fighter “Money” Chad Mendes (11-0). Aldo is known for his explosive stand-up including crippling kicks and devastating knees, but will it be enough to overcome the wrestling pedigree of Mendes? Continue reading »

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UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson

 Posted by at 5:35 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 122012
 

The last time Anthony Johnson (blue gloves) faced a credible striking threat, he relied on his size and power wrestling game to win a decision. Against a larger opponent with faster, more powerful punches it is unclear if that will be enough to get him the "W" at UFC 142. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

The first UFC offering of 2012 comes to fans this Saturday in the form of UFC 142 where UFC Featherweight Champion “Junior” Jose Aldo (19-1) will defend his belt against “Money” Chad Mendes (11-0). The card marks the organization’s second return to the country of Brazil since the beginning of the Zuffa era and, as is often the case when the UFC travels abroad, it features a majority of fighters from that country. “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (15-5) will take on American middleweight Mike Massenzio (13-5), “Indio” Erick Silva (8-2) will face off with fellow Brazilian “Neo” Carlo Prater (27-11-1), and Edson Barboza (9-0) will put his undefeated record on the line against British striker Terry Etim (15-3). Serving as the co-main event is a middleweight match-up with a serious impact on the top of the division’s food chain. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and UFC 12 Tournament winner “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9) will seek to further erase his loss to current champion “The Spider” Anderson Silva (29-4) by knocking out former welterweight contender “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3) who will be making his 185lbs. divisional debut.    Continue reading »

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UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Rousimar Palhares vs. Mike Massenzio

 Posted by at 8:29 AM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 122012
 

"Toquinho" Rousimar Palhares' (left) superior strength and ability to chain together submissions give him the decided advantage on the ground over fellow Jiu-Jitsu artist and UFC 142 opponent Mike Massenzio. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

It is a homecoming of all sorts as Brazilians and fellow fight fans around the world alike are treated to UFC 142 straight from the HSBC center in Rio de Janiero, Brazil this Saturday night. Muay Thai aficionado Edson Barboza (9-0) takes on Terry Etim (15-3) in the lightweight opener.  A battle of Brazilians is set as “Indio” Erick Silva (8-2) welcomes “Neo” Carlo Prater (27-11-1) to the Octagon. The co-main event is sure to have mouthpieces flying, bodies dropping, and consciousness lost as “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9) clashes with “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3). Stakes could not be any higher as “Money” Chad Mendes (11-0) puts his undefeated steak on the line as he challenges “Junior” Jose Aldo (19-1) for his featherweight title in the main event. In middle of all this action, the hometown favorite “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (15-5) and “The Master of Disaster” Mike Massenzio (13-5) prepare to butt heads. While UFC’s last event in Brazil, UFC 134, lacked any submission victories, BJJ is bound to get its credit due as these two veterans of the art will seek to take the victory at the expense of the other’s limbs. Continue reading »

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UFC 142 Pre-Fight Breakdown: Erick Silva vs. Carlo Prater

 Posted by at 4:47 PM  MMA News, UFC  No Responses »
Jan 112012
 

The younger and less experienced Brazilian "Indio" Erick Silva (right) needs an impressive finish over MMA veteran Carlo Prater to cement his status as a blue chip prospect in the UFC. (Photo courtesy of Zuffa, LLC.)

This Saturday the UFC returns to the homeland of the most well-known MMA family in the world. Brazil, the proving grounds for the Gracie family, is welcoming back the world’s premier MMA promotion with open arms as it hosts UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes. Headlining the event in Rio de Janeiro is a championship match-up between former WEC and current UFC featherweight king “Junior” Jose Aldo (19-1) and undefeated Team Alpha Male wrestler “Money” Chad Mendes (11-0). Former UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “The Phenom” Vitor Belfort (20-9) is fighting in front of his countrymen for the first time since 1998 now on the heels of a brutal KO over ”Sexyama” Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5) in August. His opponent, wrestling powerhouse “Rumble” Anthony Johnson (10-3), is making his middleweight debut against the former world champion. “Toquinho” Rousimar Palhares (15-5) will look to extend his win streak and enter the top of the division but first he has to get past the war-ready Mike Massenzio (13-5) who is game to stand and bang or rip and roll with anyone. In the card’s opener English lightweight Terry Etim (15-3) takes on undefeated Edson Barboza (9-0). Etim wishes to create another impressive win streak while Barboza is looking to stay undefeated inside the UFC. In his UFC debut, MMA veteran “Neo” Carlo Prater (27-11) seeks his big break at the expense of “Indio” Erick Silva (8-2), a Brazilian submission enthusiast looking to put on another show for his hometown crowd. With both hunting an opportunity to emerge from mainstream obscurity and ascend the ranks of the welterweight division, the bout is sure to deliver.

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